What must infants receiving Nitric Oxide for PPHN have tested daily to prevent overuse?

Infants receiving Nitric Oxide for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) must have their levels of methemoglobinemia tested daily to prevent overuse. Nitric Oxide can react with hemoglobin in the blood and alter its ability to carry oxygen, leading to an increased level of methemoglobin. Monitoring methemoglobin levels is essential because elevated levels can cause hypoxia and reduce the amount of oxygen available to tissues, which is particularly critical in vulnerable populations such as infants. Daily testing allows healthcare providers to ensure that methemoglobin levels remain within a safe range, ensuring the efficacy of the treatment while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with nitrous oxide administration.

While other tests, such as those for hemoglobin levels or oxygen levels, are important for general monitoring of the infant's respiratory status, they do not specifically address the risks associated with Nitric Oxide therapy in relation to methemoglobinemia. Testing for COPD levels is not applicable in this context, as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease pertains to a different group of patients and conditions. Therefore, focusing on methemoglobinemia provides a critical safeguard in managing the treatment effectively and safely.